desarrollar
“desarrollar” means “to develop” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to develop
Also: to grow, to build up
📝 In Action
Necesitamos desarrollar un plan de acción.
B1We need to develop an action plan.
Él hace ejercicio para desarrollar sus músculos.
A2He exercises to develop his muscles.
to carry out
Also: to execute, to elaborate
📝 In Action
El científico desarrolló su teoría durante años.
B2The scientist elaborated his theory over years.
Ella desarrolla su trabajo con mucha profesionalidad.
B1She carries out her work with great professionalism.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: desarrollar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence means 'We are building a new app'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the prefix 'des-' (meaning to undo) and 'arrollar' (to roll up). Originally, it meant 'to unroll' something that was rolled up, like a scroll or fabric.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'crecer' and 'desarrollar'?
'Crecer' usually means to get bigger in size (like a child growing taller). 'Desarrollar' implies a more complex process of improvement, maturity, or creation (like developing a skill or a project).
Is it 'desarrollar' or 'desarollar'?
It is always 'desarrollar' with two 'l's. A good trick is to remember it comes from 'unrolling' (arrollar), which also has two 'l's.